RSS Leader Advocates Dialogue with Pakistan Amid Controversy
RSS leader Hosabale’s Pakistan remarks spark row: Why Sangh has long kept window for dialogue open
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Dattatreya Hosabale, general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has sparked controversy by suggesting India should keep dialogue channels open with Pakistan. His comments, which contrast with the BJP's recent hardline stance on terrorism, have drawn criticism from opposition leaders who accuse him of undermining national security, while some Kashmir-based politicians support his call for engagement.
- 01Hosabale emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and engaging in dialogue with Pakistan despite recent terror attacks.
- 02His remarks have been criticized by opposition figures, including Congress MP Manish Tewari, who questioned the rationale behind advocating dialogue post-terror attacks.
- 03Kashmir leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah have expressed support for Hosabale's call for dialogue.
- 04The RSS has historically maintained a dual approach towards Pakistan, advocating for both strong responses to terrorism and greater people-to-people engagement.
- 05Hosabale's comments align with the RSS's long-standing view that cultural and historical ties with Pakistan should be emphasized to foster better relations.
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Dattatreya Hosabale, the general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recently made headlines by advocating for continued dialogue with Pakistan, a stance that diverges from the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent hardline position that equates terrorism with a halt to talks. In an interview, he referred to past efforts by Indian Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi to normalize relations, suggesting that while security concerns must be addressed, diplomatic engagement should not be entirely dismissed. His comments have led to significant backlash from opposition leaders, who argue that such dialogue undermines the severity of terror attacks, including the 2019 Pulwama incident, which they believe should not be trivialized as mere 'pinpricks.' However, some leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, like Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah, have backed Hosabale's perspective, highlighting a potential shift in the discourse around Indo-Pak relations. The RSS's historical approach has often combined a tough stance on terrorism with calls for greater civil society engagement, reflecting a nuanced perspective on the complex relationship between India and Pakistan.
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Hosabale's remarks could influence public opinion in India regarding Pakistan, potentially leading to a shift in diplomatic relations and engagement strategies.
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